Blurbing It Out

Many independent writers need help, though not with their storytelling. Far too many indie writers are inept promoters. The fault reveals itself glaringly in their blurbs and Long Descriptions. A promotional blurb is the writer's job interview. He has to make it sing sweetly to the potential reader. This little tome notes the most conspicuous problems, and provides an offer of assistance. More

Many independent writers need help, though not with their storytelling. Far too many indie writers are inept promoters. The fault reveals itself glaringly in their blurbs and Long Descriptions. A promotional blurb is a job interview for the writer. He has to make it sing sweetly to the potential reader. This little tome notes the most conspicuous problems, and provides an offer of assistance.

Francis W. Porretto was born in 1952. Things went steadily downhill from there.

Fran is an engineer and fictioneer who lives on the east end of Long Island, New York. He's short, bald, homely, has bad acne and crooked teeth. His neighbors hold him personally responsible for the decline in local property values. His life is graced by one wife, two stepdaughters, two dogs, four cats, too many power tools to list, and an old ranch house furnished in Early Mesozoic style. His 13,000 volume (and growing) personal library is considered a major threat to the stability of the North American tectonic plate.

Publishing industry professionals describe Fran's novels as "Unpublishable. Horrible, but unpublishable all the same." (They don't think much of his short stories, either.) He's thought of trying bribery, but isn't sure he can afford the $3.95.

Fran's novels "Chosen One," "On Broken Wings," "Shadow Of A Sword," "The Sledgehammer Concerto," "Which Art In Hope," "Freedom's Scion," "Freedom's Fury," and "Priestesses" are also available as paperbacks, through Amazon. Check the specific pages for those books for details.

Wallow in his insane ranting on politics, culture, and faith at "Liberty's Torch:" http://bastionofliberty.blogspot.com/

And of course, write to him, on whatever subject tickles your fancy, at fran.porretto@yahoo.com

Also by This Author

Reviews

Review by:
Marketa Giavonni
on Aug. 18, 2013 :
As a new writer of Erotica, I'm always on the lookout for ways to improve my chances of creating a devoted following for my work. Thank you for publishing this insightful article.(review of free book)

Review by:
Stephen W. Sumner
on Aug. 15, 2013 :
I read this book and tried to put your advice to good effect. I think I was mildly successful if I may be so bold.

I changed my blurb to - Jennifer O'Malley has been separated from her husband and son by miles and a few lifetimes since awakening from Cryogenic sleep in a post-apocalyptic world. She is obsessed to the point of near desperation in her drive to reunite with them; traversing a dysfunctional world far removed from the vision of the founders of Camelot Enterprises.

It could probably still stand some touching up, but hopefully the bait on my hook will be a bit more attractive after Smashwords updates it.(review of free book)

Review by:
Lotta Bangs
on Aug. 11, 2013 :
I used this book to write my first blurbs. The only thing the author forgot to mention is that it’s 200 characters INCLUDING spaces, so mine was incomplete and had to be rewritten. Nevertheless, this book helps a lot. As a newbie it had never occurred to me that a blurb needed a hook. That came as a complete surprise, though it is such an obvious idea once you understand it.
I have personally recommended this book to hundreds of people during the last year and it occurred to me that I should add my review here too.(review of free book)

Review by:
David H. Keith
on July 29, 2012 :
Kudos to Porretto! At last, someone who cares as much about the "little things" - spelling, punctuation, and grammar - as I. This is a timely guide for newbie writers, and for those who consider spelling and the rest with disdain. If your blurbs are poorly written, I simply assume your books are, too, and don't waste my time with them. Porretto understands this.

Hats off to you, Mr. Porretto. I wish I'd had the idea for this first, so a double salute to you.

To all writers: read this book. Believe it. Follow its precepts. The worst thing that can happen is that your writing will begin selling.